In response to Mali’s proposal to dissolve all political parties following consultations on the revision of the Political Parties Charter, Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa, issued a stark warning:
« The suggestion to dissolve political parties in Mali is deeply troubling and represents a blatant violation of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Authorities must halt the escalating crackdown on civic space and uphold the human rights of all individuals, including critics, human rights defenders, and opposition members. »
The proposed dissolution would directly contradict the 2023 Constitution enacted by the transitional authorities, which explicitly guarantees the existence of political parties and their right to « freely form and operate under conditions determined by law. »
Furthermore, such a measure would run counter to Mali’s international human rights obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which the country has ratified.”
background
Since assuming power, the military-led authorities in Mali have escalated repression against political parties, particularly since early 2024.
Between April and July 2024, decrees were issued to suspend all political party activities and political associations, alongside a blanket ban on media coverage of political events. Many parties had urged authorities to respect the Transitional Charter and facilitate elections to restore constitutional order.
A national dialogue convened by the authorities in May 2024—widely boycotted by political parties—proposed extending the transition period until « the country stabilizes. » The recommendations also included tightening the criteria for party formation and eliminating public funding for political organizations.
In June 2024, 11 opposition party leaders were arrested on charges of « conspiring against state authority » and « opposing legitimate authority. » They were granted provisional release in December 2024.